A seventeen year old Ashley went towards the front steps of the Carlin residence.  She had dyed jet black hair and chocolate brown eyes.  Ashley nervously rang the doorbell to Spencer’s house.  She wasn’t sure why she was feeling that way.  It was almost like she knew something was going to change, maybe it was for the better.  Spencer opened the door and Ashley saw Spencer wore a baby blue dress and had curled her hair for her seventeenth birthday party and also wore makeup, which made her stand out even more than usual.  “W-wow, Spencer,” Ashley smiled.  Y-you look really beautiful.  Ashley kissed Spencer on her cheek.

“Thanks,” said Spencer slightly blushing.  So do you.

“Nah,” Ashley replied.  Spencer chuckled.  Here, I got you something.  Ashley held out a box.

“You didn’t have to get me anything,” began Spencer.

“It’s part of the birthday deal,” Ashley joked.  You get invited to a birthday party and you give the birthday girl a gift, if not you’re pretty much considered a freeloader.  Now open it.  Spencer opened the present and saw it was a bracelet and Ashley asked nervously, “Do you like it?”

“I love it,” responded Spencer.  Thank you.  Spencer hugged Ashley.

Later on, Ashley saw Spencer by the porch by herself.  “Are you alright?” asked Ashley with concern.  I haven’t seen you partying it up for awhile so I’ve been looking for you.

“Yeah,” Spencer answered.  W-why wouldn’t I be, Ashley?

“You look like you’re about to cry,” stated Ashley as she put her arm around Spencer’s shoulder.

“Whatever,” Spencer sighed.  Ashley hugged Spencer.

“It’s okay to cry,” pointed out Ashley.  You don’t always have to be so strong.

“Yes, I do,” Spencer retorted on the verge of tears.  Crying is a sign of weakness.  It’s ridiculous.  I…I shouldn’t even be sad on my birthday.  A tear slid down Spencer’s cheek.  Ashley wiped away Spencer’s tear.

“No, it’s not,” sighed Ashley.  It’s not ridiculous at all.  You feel how you feel.  It’s your party and you can cry if you want to, alright?  Do you want to talk about what’s bothering you?  Spencer shook her head no.  Do you want to go for a walk?

“Why are you being so nice to me?” Spencer asked with a sigh.